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Over the last 20 years, landscape architects and designers have embraced the use of segmental retaining walls to hold something back. For a long time, planners have understood that the best method to maximize a site?EUR??,,????'???s useable property while transitioning grades is the effective use of retaining walls. Timber, rubble, stones, or other easily stacked material were some of the materials used on the initial retaining walls. The knowledge gained over time led to more efficient construction practices, including the placement of abundant materials into the soil fill placed behind the wall facing. The inclusion of this practice was the conception of reinforced soil walls, which allowed for the construction of taller and more stable structures. A Long History
Over the last 20 years, landscape architects and designers have embraced the use of segmental retaining walls to hold something back.
For a long time, planners have understood that the best method to maximize a site?EUR??,,????'???s useable property while transitioning grades is the effective use of retaining walls. Timber, rubble, stones, or other easily stacked material were some of the materials used on the initial retaining walls.
The knowledge gained over time led to more efficient construction practices, including the placement of abundant materials into the soil fill placed behind the wall facing. The inclusion of this practice was the conception of reinforced soil walls, which allowed for the construction of taller and more stable structures.
Reinforced soil segmental walls date back more than 3,000 years with the use of relatively thin soil lifts reinforced with some type of vegetative branch. The Great Wall of China qualifies as a structure built using this early version of soil reinforcement. It was constructed using a clay and gravel mixture reinforced with tamarisk branches. The current construction practices used in the segmental retaining walls of today are an advance over the older technologies described.
Additionally, technological advancements at the licensor and producer level have increased the popularity of segmental retaining walls significantly because of the flexibility of design, as well as aesthetic options such as shape, color and texture of the blocks. The use of segmental retaining wall units became prominent in the United States during the mid-1980s, where construction widely used modern geosynthetics. The design and product variability has certainly contributed to an estimated 10 to 20 percent product growth rate over the last several years. It is estimated that over 150 million square feet of segmental retaining walls are installed annually in the United States. The most significant product growth has been in the nation?EUR??,,????'???s largest metropolitan areas, where many of the premium sites have been developed. The industry boasts multiple walls in excess of 50 feet tall, including one structure used as a land bridge near Atlanta, Georgia which was over 62 feet tall. That structure is believed to be the tallest segmental retaining wall in the western hemisphere. Design Methodology for Erosion Control
Additionally, technological advancements at the licensor and producer level have increased the popularity of segmental retaining walls significantly because of the flexibility of design, as well as aesthetic options such as shape, color and texture of the blocks. The use of segmental retaining wall units became prominent in the United States during the mid-1980s, where construction widely used modern geosynthetics. The design and product variability has certainly contributed to an estimated 10 to 20 percent product growth rate over the last several years. It is estimated that over 150 million square feet of segmental retaining walls are installed annually in the United States. The most significant product growth has been in the nation?EUR??,,????'???s largest metropolitan areas, where many of the premium sites have been developed. The industry boasts multiple walls in excess of 50 feet tall, including one structure used as a land bridge near Atlanta, Georgia which was over 62 feet tall. That structure is believed to be the tallest segmental retaining wall in the western hemisphere.
The National Concrete Masonry Association has published design methodology used by civil engineers, which has contributed to an increasing number of applications for segmental retaining walls. One of these applications is erosion control. Typically, these applications are found in areas with steep slopes leading to mudslides or shoreline property. These locations are susceptible to improper drainage or unsightly appearance, which left unchecked, can lead to major erosion problems. That was the issue facing the Marina Bay development on Lake Lanier near Gainesville, Ga. The proposed amenities area included a walking path along the shore and a terraced retaining wall with seating for lake activity viewing. As Brett Johnson of Vertical-Earth (Marina Bay site contractor) described, ?EUR??,,????'??The Army Corps of Engineers was looking for solutions to minimize silt runoff into the freshwater Lake Lanier during the multiple-phase residential construction.?EUR??,,????'?? In the locations where the slopes toward the lake were most severe, thus the potential for run-off the greatest, retaining walls were strategically located to reduce the slope and wave impact. The results were a unique look for the upscale development: a curved retaining wall matching the shoreline with a natural stone look, terraces for plants, flowers and seating. This was all accomplished while effectively managing the water run-off from the steep hillside.
Before constructing your retaining wall project, Pavestone recommends the following steps to consider in creating your retaining wall project. Planning:
Before constructing your retaining wall project, Pavestone recommends the following steps to consider in creating your retaining wall project.
The initial step in building a retaining wall is complete planning. A site plan, along with soils and wall construction information are the essential components necessary for a successful project.
A site plan is a detailed drawing that includes wall location, length, elevations, underground utilities, erosion control and storm water management.
The design soils information is available from the site geotechnical or design wall engineer and identifies the kind of soils required for construction.
While creating a wall construction plan, it is advisable to consult with a professional engineer, as their expertise is required to determine the length and number of geosynthetic layers required to stabilize a particular segmental retaining wall system. Furthermore, the engineer will provide documents that detail the wall construction. Geosynthetic reinforcement is a sheet material produced from high-tensile strength polypropylene, polyethylene or polyester that helps support the retaining wall system.
The amount of geosynthetic reinforcement is a function of wall height, soil conditions, anticipated loads and earth movement. Erosion control applications may involve design consideration for anticipated water levels relative to the retaining wall and must be considered by a qualified design engineer. When reinforcement is required, an engineer can specify the appropriate materials, number of layers and correct placement based upon the particular site conditions.
Francisco Uviña, University of New Mexico
Hardscape Oasis in Litchfield Park
Ash Nochian, Ph.D. Landscape Architect
November 12th, 2025
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